File:The serpent symbol, and the worship of the reciprocal principles of nature in America (1851) (14772579644).jpg

Identifier: serpentsymbolwor00squi (find matches)
Title: The serpent symbol, and the worship of the reciprocal principles of nature in America
Year: 1851 (1850s)
Authors: Squier, E. G. (Ephraim George), 1821-1888
Subjects: Indians -- Religion Serpent worship
Publisher: New York, G. P. Putnam

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numents to theirmemory, than the Zapoticas, who, besides their subterranean sepulchres,constructed artificial hills and pyramids above ground, strengthened onthe outside by strong masonry, whilst the interior was the sanctuary,where they deposited the body of the deceased, making choice of thebest materials for these sepulchral edifices, and employing them withmethod and order, to insure their longer duration. Beneath the great temple of Mitlan, or palace of the dead, Du Paix Fig. 9. Plan ok Sepulchral Chamber at Mitlan. explored a sepulchral chamber, a plan and section of which is herewithgiven. It appears that the plan of these sepulchral chambers wasusually that of a cross. SACRED HIGH-PLACES. 99 Under the scale of the saloon facing the south, there is a sepulchre,or pagan mausoleum, the plan of which is in the form of a cross. It isspacious, and the walls, on the inside, are embelUshed with variouscompartments in Mosaic. A cylindrical column rises vertically from ^^^^-=i^S?^,- .,^
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Fig. 10. Section of Sepulchral Chamber at Mitlax. the central point of the plane of a square block of stone, formed bythe intersection of the perpendicular and horizontal lines, which sup-ports a large square stone that constitutes the ceiling, the four anglesof which embrace as many right angles, that divide and portion offfour square rooms, the sad receptacles of the mortal remains of man,which are covered with large square slabs, forming the roof. Everyvisible part of this dismal abode was painted with vermilion. A door,subterranean passage, and stair-case, give admission to the tomb.Du Paix found at the distance of a league and a half to the east of o Mitlan, upon the summit of a high hill, the commencement of the

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